The Tim Burton Batman universe continues to expand with the announcement of a new novel titled "Batman: Revolution." Authored by John Jackson Miller and published by Penguin Random House, this upcoming book introduces the Burton-Verse's take on The Riddler. Fans eager to dive into this new narrative can already preorder "Batman: Revolution" on Amazon.
Following the success of 2024's "Batman: Resurrection," also written by Miller, "Batman: Revolution" serves as a sequel set between the iconic films "Batman" (1989) and "Batman Returns" (1992). The novel draws inspiration from Burton's unproduced third Batman film, which was rumored to feature Robin Williams as The Riddler.
The official synopsis for "Batman: Revolution" teases an intriguing plot:
*It’s summer, and Gotham City has cause for celebration. The last vestiges of The Joker’s toxic legacy have finally faded, just in time for the mayor to partner with retail magnate Max Shreck to stage a Fourth of July celebration for the ages. But not everyone is rejoicing. Batman’s eternal vigilance continues as threats from rival gangs and masked criminals escalate by the day. Meanwhile, on the streets, protests grow in opposition to the city’s lavish excesses.*
*No one is experiencing the struggle between Gotham’s optimism and doubt more than Norman Pinkus. The Gotham Globe’s humble copy boy, he’s the unacknowledged mastermind behind the newspaper’s mega-popular Riddle Me This word puzzles. But Norman harbors a secret. He is the smartest man in Gotham City, using his prodigious skills to solve crimes anonymously for years via the police tip line—before Batman even knows there’s a crime to solve.*
*While neither fame nor fortune finds Norman, he believes in the promise of Gotham and what’s right . . . until he doesn’t. The man no one notices watches time and again as the city and its leaders cast their eyes high above the rooftops toward Batman. Dejected and unappreciated, Norman devises a scheme: With the help of dangerous new friends, he exploits the simmering tensions of the long hot summer to draw the Caped Crusader into a volatile game of riddles to crown Gotham’s true savior. As they clash, Norman—now known as The Riddler—and Batman will uncover hidden secrets about Gotham’s past that will have dire consequences for the city’s future.*
"Batman: Revolution" is slated for release on October 28, 2025. Enthusiasts can secure their copy by preordering on Amazon.
Batman '89: Echoes & Superman '78: The Metal Curtain Cover Gallery
In addition to the new novel, DC Comics has been actively expanding the Burton-Verse with other media. They released "Batman '89," a sequel to "Batman Returns" featuring characters inspired by Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face and Marlon Wayans as Robin. This was followed by "Batman '89: Echoes," which introduces characters inspired by Jeff Goldblum as Scarecrow and Madonna as Harley Quinn. DC has also published two volumes of "Superman '78," serving as sequels to the Christopher Reeve Superman films.
For those interested in exploring more about Burton's vision for a third Batman film and other unproduced DC projects, you can find detailed information on the DC movies that never made it to the screen.
